Cocos Island National Park

Imagine a place that's been left practically untouched by mankind. A place where exotic animals roam free and flowers, endangered elsewhere in the world, bloom almost continually. Now, imagine that you could visit this place as part of your upcoming rent a car in Costa Rica vacation. Sound impossible? Think again! The Cocos Island National Park is often thought of as the little Galapagos of Costa Rica. Located on the tip of an ancient volcanic mountain, the park has been isolated from civilization for hundreds of years. Many of the species found here evolved after their arrival, and as such, cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Establishing the park

The government of Costa Rica established Cocos Island National Park in 1978. It was the area's unique ecological diversity that motivated the government to save the land and preserve it for future generations, Unfortunately, it takes more than a simply decree in order to protect park lands. While rent a car in Costa Rica travelers will discover a great many endemic species on the island, they'll also encounter common animals like pigs, goats, and rats. These animals are wreaking havoc on the fragile ecosystem of Cocos Island, making it increasingly difficult to monitor and preserve. So, just how did these common animals make it onto this remote island? Well, that all depends who you ask. The most popular version of the legend, and the one that most rent a car in Costa Rica travelers like to believe, has to do with pirates. Hundreds of years ago, Cocos Island was a hideout for pirates; in fact, many say that Cocos was the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson's epic novel Treasure Island. Locals like to tell the stories of buccaneers hiding treasure here – from Edward Davies in 1685 and Benito Bonito in 1820, to William Thompson in 1821. And while there are plenty of treasure maps, the only thing that rent a car in Costa Rica travelers have been able to find that could be attributed to the pirates are the pigs. Seafarers, be they pirates or not, are believed to have left introduced these and other common animals to the island, creating a domino effect that's been very difficult to stop.

When to visit

Rent a car in Costa Rica car rental travelers can visit the island all year round, but Avanti doesn't recommend making the trip during the rainiest of seasons (it rains here throughout the year). The drier seasons occur from January through March, and to a lesser extend, from in late September through October. Before heading out to the island, locals recommend picking up the Snorkeling Guide to Cocos Island as it offers some great insight into popular dive locations. It's important to remember that the majority of the habitat on Coco's Island National Park is wet forest. You should thus remember to bring along a poncho, waterproof hiking boots, and plenty of warm, dry socks!

Please don't litter – Cocos Island is a World Heritage Site

Located 330 miles off the coast of Costa Rica, Cocos Island is the only island in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean to sustain a tropical rainforest. It is also the first point of contact with the northern equatorial counter-current, making it a fertile breeding ground for underwater life. Many rent a car in Costa Rica travelers embark on the long boat ride out to the island, simply to have the opportunity to scuba dive or snorkel in this unique environment. Coco's Island has been named one of the best places in the world to view large pelagic species, including sharks, rays, tuna, and dolphins. Two of the most exotic underwater species that can be found in the area include the Whale and Hammerhead Sharks. On land, rent a car in Costa Rica travelers will discover endemic species of plants, fish, lizards, and birds. Some of the birds to keep an eye out for include the Cocos Cuckoo, the Flycatcher, and the Finch. Considered yourself warned: Cocos Island is home to more than 100 endemic insect species! Prepare to see some pretty spectacular creepy crawly during your visit.